Wow, I have a lot of producers on my list who, through the years, have impacted my beat making in one way or the other. But I can name 3 to start and why. First, Da Bomb Squad. OMG! When Public Enemy was on their game, them beatz was outrageous and original. Nobody sounded like them before, during, or since. Second, Timbaland. The reason is he is also original and he got his style from listening to a lot of Drum and Bass records. It also helps that he is from Va. Beach. I am from Norfolk and am proud to say that a bonafide big time producer hails from my beloved Virginia. And Third, Dr. Dre. That brotha makes phat beatz using drum machines, samplers, live instruments, live musicians, etc. He uses everything he can get his hands on both electronic and live performances to get his stuff down. That process has to be amazing to witness. Here is a short list of other producers who I would love to work with: Neptunes, Easy Mo Bee, DJ Quik, Black Moon, Marley Marl, Quincy Jones, Shakespere, Kanye West (uses Ensoniq ASR-10 my favorite instrument), Ali Shaheed Muhammed (A Tribe Called Quest - my all-time favorite group), and last but not least Jay Dee of Slum Village. That nigga's beatz on Fantastic Vol. II were ridiculous especially Players, 2U4U, and I Don't Know. There are many more but I don't feel like writing a book. Love, Peace and Hairgrease!